Businesses today are more focused than ever on safeguarding their future. This means increased investments in emerging technologies like Generative AI, a stronger push toward automation, and digitalization of both internal and external processes. And while digital transformation was once an added layer of security, it has now become a necessity. Consider this: the global digital transformation market is projected to reach $1,009.8 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 16.5%!
Conversations around digital transformation have now become mainstream but Sanjay Jupudi and Prasanna Singaraju recognized its significance nearly a decade ago. In 2015, the two technocrats, driven by a shared passion for innovation, founded Qentelli, a digital and cloud technology company based in the U.S.
“Looking back, it feels like an obvious choice,” says Sanjay as both the founders came from strong tech backgrounds.
Sanjay’s career spans leadership roles in product development, implementation, and IT consulting for some of the world’s largest enterprises, including Amdocs, AT&T among other companies. At the time, digital transformation was still in its infancy, and many businesses were struggling with the complexities of modernization.
“Prasanna and I saw a unique opportunity to address those challenges,” Sanjay explains. They realized that companies needed more than just consultants, they needed partners who could navigate the evolving digital landscape with them.
But just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, Qentelli’s success is the result of years of collective experience, determination, and innovation. Sanjay recalls how he and Prasanna approached companies with a simple but bold pitch:
“Give us your toughest challenges, and we’ll find a way to solve them.”
He shared that the drive to deliver real, impactful solutions is what propelled Qentelli to success. Today, the company remains entirely bootstrapped yet profitable, working with some of the most renowned enterprises across the globe.
Qentelli’s Intellectual Property (IP) includes AI-based products, frameworks, methodologies, and process playbooks that accelerate and enhance Digital Transformation, Cloud Adoption, DevOps, and Quality Engineering solutions.
A Solution-First Mindset
A company’s foundation can make or break its success. Strong principles often drive long-term growth, and Sanjay was acutely aware of this when he co-founded Qentelli.
“Qentelli was built on the principles of Quality, Intelligence, and Engineering—three words intentionally fused into our name,” Sanjay tells CIOLook.
The founders chose a solution-first approach from the start, focusing on solving real business and operational challenges rather than simply offering services. They invested their own capital, refused external funding, and yet achieved profitability in their very first year—a rare feat in the tech world.
“Our principles remain unchanged,” Sanjay emphasizes. Qentelli has grown into a trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups worldwide. From its inception, the company has focused on broad, impactful innovation rather than being confined to a specific market. This global mindset has been instrumental in driving success, enabling Qentelli to adapt, scale, and deliver transformative solutions across industries.
Evolving with Customer Needs
The digital transformation landscape is constantly evolving, and at Qentelli, staying ahead means truly listening to customers.
“We prioritize understanding our clients’ challenges,” says Sanjay. “Every product, solution, and framework we develop is backed by rigorous research and deep customer insights.” This customer-first approach is embedded in Qentelli’s DNA.
To remain adaptable, the company continuously evolves its AI-driven frameworks and digital transformation capabilities. These advancements accelerate cloud adoption, DevOps, and quality engineering, ensuring that clients stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
“This research-driven mindset allows us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses,” Sanjay explains.
What Makes a Great Leader?
More importantly, what separates a great leader from a good one?
Sanjay believes the answer lies in empathy and trust. He fosters a culture where employees are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and innovate without fear of failure.
“At Qentelli, we’ve built an environment that blends the hustle and agility of a startup with the strategic focus of a global enterprise,” he says.
This mindset has been instrumental in retaining top talent across departments. Under Sanjay’s leadership, many team members have grown into key decision-makers, leading diverse teams and shaping the company’s future.
Ultimately, Sanjay believes that ambition, coupled with the freedom to explore and create, leads to fulfilled and high-performing employees.
Giving Back to Society
Beyond business success, Sanjay believes technology exists to serve people, not just enterprises.
“We view our success as intrinsically linked to our impact on society,” he says. His commitment to philanthropy goes beyond fulfilling obligatory CSR. Instead, he aims to make a meaningful difference.
“Our goal is to positively impact one million lives through initiatives in education, healthcare, and beyond,” he adds.
During the pandemic, the Qentelli community stepped up in remarkable ways. They transformed pre-owned CPAP/BiPAP machines into non-invasive ventilators, directly helping save lives during the COVID-19 crisis. They have also adopted schools in India to enhance education for underserved communities.
“These efforts reflect our broader mission—to integrate sustainability and responsibility into our business fabric.”
Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders
As a leader in digital transformation, Sanjay shares insights for those looking to enter the industry.
Technology is evolving at lightning speed, he acknowledges, and staying ahead can feel overwhelming. But if you want to thrive in digital transformation, you must always be one step ahead.
“When ChatGPT launched, it sparked discussions about its potential. Now, it’s revolutionizing the way millions of people live and work,” he says. “What once seemed futuristic is now mainstream, and this is what you must track.”
However, success in this field requires more than just technical expertise. It’s about understanding businesses and connecting with people.
“Talk to business leaders, attend industry events, and build meaningful networks. Most importantly, embrace continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning as the industry evolves. By combining knowledge with curiosity and creativity, you can build something truly magical.”
Driving Innovation on a Global Scale
Looking ahead, Qentelli’s vision is clear: drive innovation on a global scale while strengthening its position as a leader in digital transformation.
“We want to move beyond traditional boundaries and solve complex, real-world challenges across industries,” says Sanjay.
The company is heavily investing in AI, ML, and proprietary frameworks to help businesses become more resilient and future ready.
“We’re also committed to sustainable growth. As a bootstrapped company, we prioritize financial independence while scaling strategically. By 2026, our goal is to achieve $100 million in revenue and expand our team from 1,200 to 2,000 employees over the next three years,” Sanjay concludes.
